Jon Hammer, who served as South Whitehall manager for four years, is no longer employed by the township.

Following an executive session Aug. 20, commissioners voted to adopt and execute the separation agreement and waiver of rights signed by Hammer.

"He is no longer the township manager, effective today," said board President Christina "Tori" Morgan.

She said Hammer had been out on personal time and left to pursue other professional opportunities.

The announcement came after two weeks of a communication shut down.

Following an executive session, which he did not attend, at the Aug. 6 meeting, Hammer was unavailable for comments.

Starting his job at South Whitehall in August 2010, Hammer filled the position vacated by Gerald Gasda, who retired after a 38-year career with the township.

Hammer, manager of Bethlehem Township for eight years, was selected from a group of 65 applicants for the job.

Commissioners had hired a consultant from the Meyner Center at Lafayette College to guide them through the search process.

A graduate of St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Hammer was general manager of finance for the Philadelphia Housing Authority, executive assistant to former Allentown Mayor Bill Heydt, and senior project manager at Dun and Bradstreet.

During his time at South Whitehall, Hammer was able to continue the 20-plus years township tradition of avoiding a tax increase.

After the alleged embezzlement of township revenue by employee Nancy Tonkin over a 13-year time span, Hammer switched to private companies for collection of various South Whitehall fees.

Howard Kutzler, who joined the staff last November as director of administration, is serving as acting township manager.

His previous position was township manager and planning supervisor in Bethlehem Township.